Sites for Morchella

[KeenTeen17]

Are there any sites in Lancashire where morrels grow in Spring? I know where Scarlet Elf Cups are but have no idea about morrels.

help?

[PeteS]

Yes, I know but I am not telling

[Stewy]

You don't honestly think that people will tell you do you KT?

[Jim Ford]

I'm pretty sure I would if I lived up there and knew!

'KeenTeen17' has clearly demonstrated their interest and commitment to the cause of wildlife - I think they should be encouraged rather than meet a 'dog in a manger' attitude!

Jim

[NickCantle]

Come on Jim, you don't honestly believe that people would tell others of a very valuable and salable, delicious, rare fungus on a public forum? Sites would be abolished, over-picked and wiped out.

It's the same for Tuber species.

So I have to disagree with you here Jim mate. I personally know not of any spots for either Tuber or Morchella, so it doesn't affect me, but there are no 'Dog in Manger' attitudes shown here, just protective and logical attitudes.

To add, I'm not sure if the seriousness of this issue is known- Some sites are apparently guarded by patch owners and it's been reported on occasion that they guard their sacred patches with shotguns. You think I'm exaggerating or joking? I'm not. It's actually a very dangerous business when looked into with great depth.

[PeteS]

I agree with Nick and Stewy. I have seen a patch of Craterellus cornucopioides (Horn of Plenty) wiped out by what could have only been commercial pickers. This spot had over 1000 fruiting bodies and every single one, from the size of pin heads up, had been taken. I am not in anyway suggesting KeenTeen17 would do this sort of thing, or tell someone that would, but I have other patches of Horn of Plenty and after seeing that I am not telling a public forum where they are. The more people that know the more likely this sort of thing is likely to happen.

Besides all of this, part of the pleasure of fungi hunting is in the errr... hunting.

[KeenTeen17]

oh right. I didn't know it was that rare and tasty

[NickCantle]

As long as you know that the secrecy of the matter is important and people aren't reluctant to tell you because they're selfish- quite the opposite actually as Pete's post illustrates excellently.

If you find a public forum on the internet that lists anywhere specific that Morchella grow, you will have been exceedingly lucky- It wouldn't happen.

[Stewy]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

oh right. I didn't know it was that rare and tasty

No harm in asking KT!

I have spent the last 3/4 years on the hunt for them and have spent hours and hours and walked miles and miles on the hunt with no luck, if I were to find myself a patch first off I would probably faint and secondly I would not tell a soul!!

There are a few old threads knocking about giving advice on likely habitats etc..... if you have a bit of a search.

[KeenTeen17]

a good time to make use of the google search box then.